Genres: Comedy, drama, romance. Country of origin: UK
Cast: David Tennant (Dr. Who) as author James Neil Arber, Kelly MacDonald (No Country for Old Men) as Katie Nic Aoidh, Alice Eve (Star Trek: into Darkness) as film star Lara Tyler, Hamish Clark (Monarch of the Glen) as Angus, Michael Urie (Ugly Betty) as Lara's agent Steve Korbitz, Federico Castellucio (The Sopranos) as Marco Ballani (the most determined of the photographers).
Directed by: Sheree Folkson, who has most of her experience in episodic television; this explains casting so many television actors, I suppose.
Written by: Neil Jaworski, Sally Phillips.
Set in: in little known Hegg Island in Scotland. Filming done at (a) the Isle of Man (b) Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK (c) Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
The Three Acts:
The initial tableaux: The film star Lara Tyler intends to marry author James Arber, but the photographers make that awkward. To get around this, Steve goes to Hegg Island, the setting of James' best-seller to find a remote location for the wedding. Katie, the only unmarried woman on the island, is recruited for her expertise in Hegg's geography.
Delineation of conflicts: Despite the ploy with the island, Marco catches up with Lara while disguised as a monk. Lara sees him before he sees her; she goes into hiding. With Lara missing, Steve then starts the scam of the substitute bride. Katie agrees for 5,000 pounds and a makeover. Oi.
Resolution: The initial deception leads to more deception; the fun is in watching the web of lies collapse in on itself.
One line summary: Hijinks surrounding filming the details of an inaccurate book.
Statistics:
Cinematography: 10/10 No problems.
Sound: 10/10 Well done. I liked the incidental music on the whole.
Acting: 8/10 Fine cast. This was the first time I've seen Michael Urie act instead of being over the top. Tennant was fine; Castelluccio was a blast; Macdonald was witty.
Screenplay: 8/10 Funny, often clever. Regarding motivations, though, why would Lara be interested in James? Otherwise, it was a romp.
Final Score: eight of ten
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